I had the joy of being interviewed by The Coachella Review! Read the full interview here.
Posts filed under Writing
The Boring Days
Social media feeds can curate our lives in a way that we are really only seeing the most lively, eventful moments in other people’s day-to-day. When people see me in person, they tend to comment on how busy I am. And while it’s true that this has been a very full year, the truth is there are lulls and moments where there isn’t anything Insta-worthy. Here’s what you’re not seeing.
the days when, no matter what I try, I can’t quite seem to churn much writing out
the days filled with responding to emails and admin work
the days of grantwriting
the days I’m sick
the days of self-doubt and wondering again whether I have what it takes (even though I’ve gone through this rigamarole time and time again)
the days when I feel like I have nothing to say, post, contribute
the days I feel overwhelmed by the sadness and horrors in the world
the days when I’m just tempted to play video games instead
I guess I put this here to remind myself that social media is a version of storytelling, where we really only get the highlights. But these normal, tough, boring, less attractive days are as much a part of my writing journey as the successes and triumphs. Keep on keeping on, I guess?
Cathedralprison
When you've lived
in a cathedralprison
and you stand on a pew
to chuck an offering plate
through a stained-glass window
to bore an escape for yourself
and walk through
At first,
the lights are offensive
the sounds oppressive
a sensory overload
causes you to rethink your exit
But give it time:
your eyes and ears will adjust
and you'll remark
"Oh, there is kindness out here, too."
THE FOUR IMMIGRANTS Cast Album is here!
Photograph by Hans Cardenas
After two days of recording in January, followed by six months of squeezing in studio time, the original cast album for THE FOUR IMMIGRANTS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL MANGA is finally here! On Monday, we celebrated with a release party at the Opal Nightclub in downtown Mountain View, hosted by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. Of course, I have had access to the album's files for a few weeks now, as we were waiting for the CDs to be published. But the excitement from folks at the party was so invigorating and uplifting, I was filled with gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the journey of THE FOUR IMMIGRANTS so far. Now, with this album, more people will be able to experience the music of the show. And hopefully, it will help us get to a second production soon enough!
KINDA HOME's kinda first reading
Last night, at the Potrero Stage, we presented our first ever public reading of KINDA HOME... kinda. We only presented Act I, because there is no music written yet for Act II. Brad and I learned so much through the process and working with director Leslie Martinson. And Playwrights Foundation graciously let us crash their Festival venue since it wasn't being used this particular evening. As always, having actors embody the characters brought so much clarity to their relationships, as well as honed our understanding of the pacing and flow of the piece. We had a great turnout last night as well (thanks to all who attended!), with many remarking they couldn't wait to find out how Act II plays out. Neither can we!